Former Mets All-Star Alfonzo signs with Giants in Japan

MIYAZAKI, Japan -- The Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Central League have signed former major league infielder Edgardo Alfonzo to a one-year contract worth $380,000.

The Giants signed the 35-year-old Venezuelan after giving him a tryout at their spring training camp.

"It's an honor to become a member of the Giants and I'll play my hardest to contribute to the team," Alfonzo said Monday.

Alfonzo has 1,532 hits and a .284 batting average over 12 seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the New York Mets with later spells with the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays.

His last season in the majors was 2006 when he had 11 hits and five RBI in 30 games with the Angels and Blue Jays.

Since leaving the majors, he had played in Mexico and in the independent Atlantic League.